For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
September 10, 2002

Statement by the Press Secretary

The President today declared a major disaster exists in the State
of North Dakota and ordered Federal aid to supplement state and
local recovery efforts in the area struck by severe storms,
flooding and tornadoes beginning on June 8, 2002, and continuing
through August 11, 2002.

The President's action makes Federal funding available to
eligible local governments in Grand Forks, Pembina, Stutsman, Traill
and Walsh Counties and the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation on a
cost- sharing basis for the repair or replacement of public facilities
damaged by the severe storms and flooding. Federal funding is
also available on a cost share basis for hazard mitigation measures.